Suggestions for the 2011 competition

[Ed]

It's getting towards the time of year when I usually set the annual competition, so I'm looking for a publisher to partner with, and any other ideas that might make the comp more interesting for authors and readers.

I'd be grateful if you could all make a few suggestions/requests, to help me make the comp as good as it can be

[Pharosian]

I thought it was just about perfect last year, with the word count limit increased to 5000. The stories that finished 1st, 3rd, and 4th in the popular vote (all written by Cafe Doom critique group members) were in the 4500-5000 word range. I'd like to see that stay the same.

[jingold]

Didn't someone from Shroud show some interest in sponsoring the next contest?

[Ed]

Thanks for the input, Pharo

Didn't someone from Shroud show some interest in sponsoring the next contest?

Yes, I have a feeling they did. I had forgotten that -- thanks for reminding me. They don't pay pro rates for the stories they publish, do they? I think that was the reservation I had about going with them, because we've managed to get pro rate pay for the winning story the past few times. May well be worth approaching to see what they can come up with, though.

[elay2433]

There's always Cemetery Dance, Ed. Not sure if they'd go for it over there, but maybe someone you met at Borderlands could get you a line in to the editor to at least propose it? Tom Monteleone? Could be worth a shot. They're still closed to subs, going on two years now I think. It'd definitely be an incentive to anyone considering entering this years competition.

[Ed]

It's a nice idea, but I reckon getting Cemetery Dance on board would take a miracle Thanks for the suggestion, though -- I'll maybe try them next year, only start earlier than this. It'd be a tough nut to crack, so I reckon it'd take six months or more before we got anywhere. I did wonder about trying to sort something out with Borderlands. I don't know what exactly, but that might be worth a shout in its own right.

[Rev. Austin]

What about asking a respectable audio site, like Pseudopod? How, in general, do people feel about having their work turned into audio stories?

That's all I've got 

[Ed]

Sounds interesting -- I'll look into it. Thanks for the suggestion, Rev

[Robert Essig]

The Rev has a good idea!  I'm all for my work appearing as an audio story (haven't been able to crack Pseudopod as of yet).

As for word count, I have to agree with Pharosian, though I think 3K would be nice as far as reading so many stories in one month goes (but that's very selfish of me to say considering how slow a reader I am!).  5K allows enough room to really develop a story.

Whatever you get toegether concerning the competiton, Ed, you can certainly count me in as a contestant.

[Ed]

Cool

[Rev. Austin]

Oh yeah, I forgot to say, I'm down with repeating the word limit from last year yes, down, like all the cool kids say.

What?

[ozmosis7]

I thought I saw somewhere Lisa Morton was recently appointed to Editor at Cemetery Dance if that helps. I know many have her friended on Facebook, and she appears approachable. I hear that CD will be reopening their magazine for subs towards the end of the year, as well.

Shroud is a great magazine. Their rates aren't pro ($25), but they're a class act, and host anthocon. So there is some publicity in that as well.

Hope that helps.

[Ed]

All input gratefully received -- thanks

[Ed]

I haven't heard back from Shroud yet, but I have heard back from one other feeler I put out, who is passing the request on to the right department for consideration. If I don't get something solid in place soon it's going to be panic stations -- we're only a bit over two months away from deadline as it stands, so it leaves little time to get word out to places like Ralan. My own fault, I know, but it kinda creeps up. It's hard to think about Halloween in the middle of summer (even if it's more like autumn)

[ozmosis7]

I think I am friended with you on Facebook? I also have Timothy Deal and Danny Evarts from Shroud friended on there. If you look them up, they might be easier to get to that way. If not I can pass you a link through FB message.

There is also a newer magazine I came across called Dark Highlands. Also, you never know about Cemetery Dance. I heard they are reopening the magazine for submissions coming up, and they did just do one promo to gain views.

Hope this helps.